Denali Park Road

Denali National Park is at the top of Alaska’s must-see destinations, and its stunning scenery, wildlife, and opportunities for adventure make it #1 on many travelers’ to-do lists. If your dream is to explore the wilds of Denali National Park by car, there’s only one way through—Denali Park Road.

A 92-mile road that winds through the heart of the park, Denali Park Road begins at the park’s entrance and ends in the remote town of Kantishna.


Photo from Denali Park Road

About Denali Park Road

Running east-west over four mountain passes and through the deep wilderness of Denali National Park, traveling Denali Park Road is an experience few get to enjoy. Private vehicles are only allowed up to mile 15 of the road. From there, visitors who want to explore deeper in the park must take the shuttle service or bus tours.

• Length: 92 miles
  


• Access: The first 15 miles of the road are open to private vehicles, while the rest can only be accessed via park shuttles, buses, or special tours.
  


• Season: The road is typically open from mid-May to mid-September, weather permitting.
  

Visiting Denali Park Road

The best way to see the length of Denali Park Road is by bus tour, and this shuttle service starts every year at the end of May. Visitors can take a half-day tour to see the first 53 miles of the road, or make it a full-day adventure with a 13-hour tour that covers the length of the road.

Denali Park Road begins at the Denali Visitor Center, which is easily accessible by car, train, or bus:

• By Car: The park entrance is located off the George Parks Highway, about 240 miles north of Anchorage and 120 miles south of Fairbanks.
  


• By Train: The Alaska Railroad offers service to Denali from Anchorage and Fairbanks, with spectacular views along the way.
  


• By Bus: Several tour operators provide bus service to the park entrance from major Alaskan cities like Anchorage and Fairbanks.
  

Best Times to Visit

The best times to visit Denali Park Road are:

• Summer (June–August): Offers the best chance for clear views of Denali and abundant wildlife activity.
  


• Fall (September): Stunning fall colors and fewer crowds make this a magical time to visit.
  

How to Explore Denali Park Road

There are many ways to see and explore the road.

Private Vehicles
Visitors can drive the first 15 miles of the road to Savage River. This section offers stunning views, pullouts for photos, and chances to spot wildlife like moose and caribou.

Park Shuttles and Tours
Beyond mile 15, access is restricted to park-approved buses:

• Transit Shuttles: These hop-on, hop-off buses are ideal for independent travelers who want to hike or explore specific areas along the road.
  


• Guided Tours: Narrated bus tours, like the Tundra Wilderness Tour, provide insights into the park’s history, wildlife, and ecology. These tours typically turn around at specific points, such as Toklat River or Stony Hill Overlook.
  

Cycling and Hiking
For adventurous visitors, cycling or hiking along Denali Park Road offers a unique way to experience the park’s beauty. Be prepared for changing weather and steep inclines.

Highlights

Savage River (Mile 15)
The farthest point accessible by private vehicles, Savage River offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and chances to spot wildlife.

Polychrome Pass (Mile 46)
Known for its vibrant, multicolored hills and sweeping views, Polychrome Pass is a highlight for photographers and nature lovers.

Eielson Visitor Center (Mile 66)
This visitor center provides panoramic views of Denali on clear days, as well as exhibits about the park’s ecology and history. Several hiking trails originate here.

Wonder Lake (Mile 85)
A serene and reflective lake with stunning views of Denali. It’s a favorite spot for photographers and campers.

Wildlife Viewing

Denali is home to an incredible array of wildlife. Along the road, you may encounter:

• Bears: Grizzlies are commonly spotted in open tundra areas.
  


• Moose: Often seen near rivers and wetlands.
  


• Caribou: Frequently roam the road and surrounding tundra.
  


• Wolves: Sightings are rarer but unforgettable.
  


• Birds: Golden eagles, ptarmigans, and ravens are just a few of the bird species that inhabit the park.
  

History & Geography

Denali Park Road construction began in 1923, and it lasted until 1938 when the road was finally completed. A dramatic increase in tourists using the road happened with the 1957 completion of the Denali Highway, causing park officials to worry about the impact visitors would have on the natural area.

In 1972, the road was closed past mile marker 15 to private vehicles, and a shuttle bus service was implemented. Although the restrictions were controversial at the time, visitation continued to rise by almost 600% over the next 14 years.

Denali National Park can be divided into three sections of terrain—high elevation rock and ice, boggy low-level elevations, and mountain passes and river valleys. The road goes through the heart of the mountain and river landscape, and it transitions from a two-lane paved road to a one-lane gravel road past mile marker 31.

Interesting Facts

The 20,000+ foot peak of Denali is a crown jewel of Alaska, and there’s no better way to see it than by traveling Denali Park Road. From native wildlife to stunning views, the 5-hour trip down Denali Park Road is an adventure in itself.

• The shuttle system implemented on the road in 1972 is the longest continuously running shuttle of the National Park system, as well as the longest overall trip!
  


• Visitation at National Parks has continued to rise, and records were set four years in a row for the most annual visitors between 2016-2019.
  


• With the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the NPS has implemented a lottery system for private vehicles to get a chance to travel the length of Denali Park Road—a first since 1971.
  


• To further protect the wilderness of the park with the increase in annual visitors, a limit of 10,512 vehicle trips per summer season was implemented in 1986.
  


• Coming in at over 6 million acres, Denali National Park ranks as #3 on the list of the United States’ largest national parks.
  

Tips for Visiting Denali National Park

1. Plan Ahead: Reservations are required for buses, and slots can fill up quickly.
   


2. Be Patient: Wildlife sightings require time and a bit of luck—stay alert and enjoy the journey.
   


3. Stay Safe: Always maintain a safe distance from wildlife and follow park guidelines.
   


4. Leave No Trace: Help preserve the park’s pristine environment by packing out everything you bring in.
   

Final Thoughts

As the sole road access through Denali National Park, Denali Park Road is the only way—besides flying—to get up close to the base of North America’s highest mountain. Whether you travel a few miles in a private vehicle or commit to exploring Denali Park Road to its terminus in Kantishna, it’s a journey that lets travelers see the best of the Alaskan wilderness.
View all of our Denali National Park tours and excursions here.